Donnie Sanders, 47

Kansas City, Missouri
March 12, 2020

Agencies: Kansas City Police Department - Missouri

Cause of death: Shooting


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Last updated: over 3 years ago

Overview

47-year-old Donnie Sanders died after being shot by a Kansas City officer after a confrontation during a traffic stop.

An officer tried to pull a vehicle over near 51st Street and Prospect Avenue around 11:15 p.m. for an alleged traffic violation. Police said the driver did not immediately pull over, but did eventually pull into an alley.

Once the car was parked, the driver and a passenger ran from the vehicle, according to the Kansas City Police Department. The officer gave chase and caught up with Sanders around 52nd Street. It was there where the man confronted the officer "while raising his arm up in a motion toward the officer as though he had a weapon," according to a police statement.

Police said the officer gave the man multiple commands the drop the weapon. According to police, when Sanders didn't comply, the officer shot him, then started rendering first aid while calling emergency medical services, police said.

Sanders was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for life-threatening injuries. On Friday, the police said Sanders had ultimately died.